The seemingly never-ending struggle in Kashmir is the focus of Sanjay Kak's documentary Jashn-e-Azadi, which looks at the annual tensions that emerge on India's Independence Day—August 15. Each year, the Kashmiri Muslim population boycotts official activities (beyond a group of media onlookers, no audience is on hand to watch the flag raising ceremonies and military processions) because—as the film details—few Kashmiri Muslims have any reason to join in the festivities, since they see India's presence as a foreign occupation and view its military as brutal violators of human rights. Watching this documentary, one would be led to believe that all Kashmiri Muslims are affected—if not from suffering the loss of loved ones during military operations, then certainly through post-traumatic stress stemming from the violence that continues to reign in the province. Of course, the film is clearly taking a partisan view of the situation in Kashmir, as neither the non-Muslim Indian side of the story, nor the government's explanation of what is happening, is recorded here. Nevertheless, Jashn-e-Azadi does present—through interviews with suffering and angry Kashmiri people—a tragic, brutal, and believable account of people who appear to be disenfranchised in their own land. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Jashn-e-Azadi (How We Celebrate Freedom)
(2007) 138 min. DVD: $21.95 ($350 w/PPR). IndiePix. Volume 23, Issue 4
Jashn-e-Azadi (How We Celebrate Freedom)
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